Review : Kalki 2898 AD – A wholesome fusion of mythology and sci-fi

Amidst fervent anticipation, Kalki 2898 AD has finally graced screens worldwide under the direction of the visionary Nag Ashwin. Boasting a star-studded lineup including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film promises a cinematic experience like no other. Join us as we unravel whether it lives up to its monumental expectations. Dive into our review for all the insights.

 

Story:

Set in the dystopian landscape of the world’s last city, Kashi, in 2898 AD, Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), the ruler of Complex, envisions a new world and establishes a fertility lab to bring it to life. Among the many women tested, he finds Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) to be the perfect candidate for his grand experiment.

Meanwhile, Bhairava (Prabhas), a ruthless bounty hunter, dreams of entering Complex for a better life. At the same time, the enigmatic Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) emerges with a mission to save Sumathi from Yaskin’s clutches. A fierce clash ensues as Bhairava, driven by the bounty on Sumathi, confronts Ashwatthama.

Will Bhairava succeed in handing Sumathi over to Complex? What motivates Ashwatthama to protect her? What past connections do Ashwatthama and Bhairava share? And what drastic measures will Yaskin take next? Who exactly is Sumathi, and does she have ties to the mysterious ‘Rebels of Shambala’? These burning questions propel the story, waiting to be unraveled on the big screen.

 

Plus Points:

Tollywood’s ‘Darling,’ Prabhas, steals the show as Bhairava, a bounty hunter with a quirky nature, humour, greed, and cunning personality. He nails Nag Ashwin’s vision for the lead role. Prabhas fits the Bhairava character perfectly, and his scenes with his digital companion Bujji (voiced by Keerthy Suresh) are a delight. The futuristic car, integral to the narrative, dazzles during the film’s monumental scenes. Prabhas’ other role is a surprise one needs to experience on the big screen only.

Legend Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama is the film’s highlight. It feels like he was born to play this role. His screen presence is electric, and his minimal dialogue speaks volumes. The confrontation scenes between Prabhas and Amitabh are cinematic gold.

Deepika Padukone makes a powerful debut in Telugu cinema as Sumathi (SUM-80), who endures great hardships for a better future envisioned by the people of Shambala. Her character’s emotional depth is compelling, and Nag Ashwin’s writing brings a few deeply resonant, heartwarming moments.

Kamal Haasan, the legend himself, appears as the antagonist, Supreme Yaskin, captivating with his intense dialogue delivery and fierce expressions. His voice carries an intimidating depth. Kamal is unrecognizable, fully immersing himself in the baddie character with a remarkable performance.

Supporting actors like Rajendra Prasad, Pasupathy, Sobhana, and Anna Ben deliver decent performances, enhancing the film. Certain scenes stand out, reflecting Nag Ashwin’s and his crew’s dedication. Cameos by SS Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, Anudeep, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Deverakonda, and Dulquer Salmaan are delightful surprises.

The film’s second half is packed with high-octane moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The Mahabharata scenes are exceptionally executed, with the climax and cliffhanger ending being particularly awe-inspiring. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score elevates these moments, creating lasting impressions.

 

Minus Points:

Despite its captivating second half, the film’s slow-paced first half can be challenging. The director and editor could have trimmed the film’s length by cutting scenes that add little value.

The scenes between Prabhas and Disha Patani lack engagement, and the song set in Complex feels unnecessary.

Some potentially thrilling scenes are underutilized until the interval. More emotional depth in the second half regarding Shambala and its mission could have added impact. A stronger connection between Bujji and Prabhas in the first half might have enhanced the film.

 

Technical Aspects:

Nag Ashwin excels as both writer and director, bringing his vision to life with the help of a talented cast and crew. However, the screenplay could have been tighter in the first half, matching the gripping climax.

Djordje Stojiljkovic’s cinematography is outstanding. The editing by Kota Venkateswara Rao is good but could be sharper, particularly in the first hour. Cutting unnecessary scenes could have improved the film’s pace.

Santhosh Narayanan delivers an impressive score, though his songs might take time to grow on listeners. Vyjayanthi Movies’ production values are top-notch. The art department, VFX team, post-production crew, and costume designers all contribute to making the film a rich experience. Every penny the makers spent on the movie is evident in its quality.

 

Verdict:

On the whole, Kalki 2898 AD stands out as one of Tollywood’s finest films, seamlessly blending a futuristic world with a mythological backdrop. Prabhas impresses with his exceptional portrayal, which will be a true delight for his fans. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a stellar performance, while Deepika Padukone shines brightly in her character. The interval’s explosive impact and the gripping confrontations between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan are truly remarkable. From the intense pre-climax to the gripping cliffhanger, the film offers mind-blowing sequences that justify every moment on screen. However, the first half’s slow-burn narrative and length might test audiences’ patience. Don’t miss this cinematic experience—secure your tickets now and witness it in the best format possible.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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